Lock up your Land Rovers as thefts rise
FARMERS and enthusiast owners in the South West are being urged to increase their security measures as organised criminal gangs are scouring the countryside stealing iconic Land Rover Defenders.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual and Devon and Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Team have issued the joint warning after claims figures show that in 2019, the cost of Defender theft in the UK rose by 34% to £2.1 million.
Traditional Defenders have been in high demand since the last models rolled off the Solihull production line back in 2016.
Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, explained: “Land Rover Defenders continue to be a target for thieves and every week across the UK farmers and enthusiast owners are waking up to find their precious Land Rovers gone – or stripped of bonnets, doors and wings.
“There’s a burgeoning black market for parts, with many of these beloved classics getting dismantled in driveways and farmyards or being whisked away to chop shops.”
First launched in 1948, Land Rovers have become a prized classic vehicle owner’s choice, as well as still being used every day on farms.
While at least four Defender thefts a week were being reported from across the UK to NFU Mutual in January this year, numbers fell to six a month from April to June.
“Unfortunately, Defender thefts have risen sharply again and we are heading back up towards pre-COVID levels,” Ms Davidson added. “We’re warning people in the countryside to be on high alert. Trackers, alarms and storing vehicles out of sight have all been effective measures protecting these British icons.”
Devon and Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs Team is urging farmers and rural communities to be vigilant and to take note of the NFU Mutual report and their guidance. It continues: “The police website also provides advice in relation to rural crime: www.dc.police. uk/stop-rural-community.
“We are fortunate in Devon and Cornwall that this type of crime is low, but we should not be complacent as nationwide the numbers increase.
“We would advise vehicle owners and local communities to remain alert to suspicious people and vehicles, and always report them to the police by calling 999 in an emergency or by emailing 101@dc.police.uk.
“Businesses and individuals are encouraged to join local social media groups and to sign up to Devon and Cornwall Alert, a two-way messaging system operated by the Devon and Cornwall Police that tells you what is happening in your area.”
Ms Davidson concluded: “With prices of Series I Land Rover models soaring due to their vintage value, organised criminals are scouring farmyards and country properties to spot examples they can steal.”
NFU Mutual is advising owners to use a combination of physical security and sophisticated electronic measures to protect their precious vehicles.
The insurer also works closely with police forces and the National Vehicle Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), to help track down thieves and return stolen vehicles to their owners.